Develop the technical and soft skills needed to become an effective Pre-K to 12 teacher.
The Master of Arts in Teaching online program from the Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology prepares you to become a leader in the classroom and in your community. You will benefit from a cohort model that enables you to create a network of colleagues that provide support during and after the program. Our compassionate community empowers you during student-teaching placements, shares tips and experiences, and informs you about job opportunities.
Low student-to-faculty ratio
Receive personalized support from experienced faculty who are invested in your growth as an educator. Smaller class sizes create more opportunities for mentorship, collaboration, and
meaningful feedback throughout the program.
Annual career fair
Build valuable connections with school leaders and hiring professionals through Pepperdine’s annual career fair. This networking opportunity can help you explore teaching pathways, discover open positions, and take the next step in your education career.
Over 200 teaching sites
Gain hands-on classroom experience through a wide network of approved teaching sites across diverse educational settings. With access to more than 200 placement locations, you can develop practical skills in communities that align with your professional goals.
As an online MA in Teaching student, you can expect a supportive learning experience that balances online
classes with hands-on student teaching placements to prepare you for the teaching path of your choice:
Elementary Teaching (Multiple Subject) or Secondary Teaching (Single Subject). This 30-credit program
comprises:
6 core courses
Build the teaching foundation needed for today’s classrooms, including classroom management, instructional strategies, assessment, literacy, and supporting diverse learners. These courses will equip you with essential practical skills used across Pre-K–12 education.
2 specialization-specific courses
Focus on your chosen area of specialization: Elementary Teaching (Multiple Subject) or Secondary Teaching (Single Subject). Your coursework will be tailored to the grade levels and subject areas you plan to teach.
3 clinical experience rotations
Provide hands-on classroom experience through guided fieldwork and student teaching placements. You’ll gain real-world teaching practice, build classroom confidence, and get supervised experience working
directly with Pre-K–12 learners.
Pepperdine University is institutionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), a regional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.1
The online Master of Arts in Teaching program is designed to prepare students to pursue California teaching credential pathways. While earning your degree is an important step, graduates must also complete California-specific licensure requirements, which may include clinical experiences, performance assessments, examinations, and additional state credentialing requirements.2
For the 2026–2027 cycle, California replaced the Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA)
with updated Literacy Performance Assessment (TPA) requirements. Pepperdine’s curriculum is aligned
with these revised literacy standards and the California ELA/ELD Framework to help prepare students for
the credentialing process.
Students who reside outside California are eligible to enroll in the program, but licensure requirements vary
by state. Prospective students should review their state’s teaching certification requirements to determine
whether the program aligns with local credentialing standards.
Cohorts start two times per year:
Fall 2026: September 7, 2026
Spring 2027: January 11, 2027
Pepperdine University’s online Master of Arts in Teaching program seeks applicants who want to make a difference in the classroom and in their communities. Applicants must meet the following requirements to apply:
View all application requirements.
You will complete 30 credits to graduate from the online MA in Teaching program. Based on the 2026–2027 tuition rate of $1,605 per credit, estimated tuition is approximately $48,150 for the full program.
Students are encouraged to explore a range of tuition and financial aid options, including:
To support students pursuing their teaching credential, GSEP offers a $500 “Pathway to Credential” scholarship to all newly admitted students, beginning with the Fall 2026 cohort. No separate scholarship application is required.
Ready to get started? Our enrollment specialists are standing by to answer your questions or help you get started on your application.
Our 30-credit curriculum integrates theoretical knowledge with practical application to help you build your
professional foundation.
In your online courses, you’ll delve into key topics, including learning development, instructional
technology, and pedagogical theory. During your clinical experience rotations, you’ll build critical hands-on
experience in real classroom settings. The result? A cohesive learning experience that prepares you for
rewarding career as an educator.
The 11-month online MAT program is broken into core courses, specialization courses, and a three-part classroom sequence. During the classroom sequence, candidates will work full time in their assigned classroom and perform whole-class instruction under supervision from certified practitioners in the field.
Connect theory and practice, providing depth and understanding to the process of K–12 learning and lesson design. Aspects of planning, instructional strategies, assessment, management, and creating a positive learning environment will be presented so that candidates can create comprehensive and meaningful instructional sequences to meet the diverse needs of students.
This course examines social, cultural, philosophical, historical, and ethical foundations and their impact on education and schools in society. Teacher candidates will analyze how the context, structure, and history of education influence current school policies and practices.
Your curriculum includes three clinical rotations, which are designed to translate your academic knowledge
into applied experience and classroom confidence.
Our faculty believe that every student brings a world of unique insights that can enrich the entire GSEP community. GSEP faculty are experts in their disciplines and are dedicated to helping you grow as a leader as you pursue your degree.
To ensure you receive the personalized mentorship needed to succeed in the classroom, our program maintains an intentionally intimate learning environment. With a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio and an average class size of 14 students, you can expect meaningful one-on-one interaction and collaborative discussion with both your peers and your professors.
Dr. Kevin M. Wong is an Associate Professor of Education and Chair of the MA in TESOL Program in the Graduate School of Education and Psychology at Pepperdine University. Dr. Wong draws from his biracial, multilingual upbringing in Hong Kong to examine language learning among children, with a particular interest in new language learning and heritage language maintenance. As a former elementary public school teacher, Dr. Wong seeks educational equity for linguistically and culturally diverse students in Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12 contexts.
He is currently involved in research projects that investigate Chinese-English dual-language bilingual education programs, multiracial children’s literature and identity development, and bilingual vocabulary learning from educational media. Dr. Wong has spoken at national and international conferences, and his research has appeared in peer-reviewed journals including Journal of Educational Psychology, International Journal of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism, and Computer Assisted Language Learning.
Education: PhD, New York University | MEd, Teachers College, Columbia University | MA, The Chinese University of Hong Kong | BA, Duke University
The online Master of Arts in Teaching program prepares students for teaching and education-focused careers across public, private, charter, and district-level settings. With continued demand for qualified educators across the U.S., graduates may pursue opportunities in high-need classrooms and growing school communities seeking credentialed teachers.
Here are some career paths and salary expectations for graduates pursuing careers in education:
Job Title | Median Pay | Work Setting |
Kindergarten and elementary school teachers | $62,310 per year3 | Public/private K–5 schools |
High school teacher | $64,580 per year4 | Secondary schools |
Special education teacher | $64,270 per year5 | Inclusive classrooms |
Instructional coordinator | $74,720 per year6 | District offices and school systems |
You’ve got the drive. Now get the degree. We’re here to help
The online MAT program features a low 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring you’re never just a number in a large, impersonal classroom setting.
For many educators, a Master of Arts in Teaching is a meaningful investment in both career growth and long-term earning potential.
In many school districts, earning a master’s degree can lead to higher placement on the salary scale, which often means a noticeable increase in pay over time. It can also open doors to more advanced roles such as instructional coach, curriculum director, or department head.
While it does require a financial and time commitment, many students find the return comes through stronger career stability, expanded opportunities for advancement, and deeper expertise in the classroom.
Yes. An online Master of Arts in Teaching from a reputable institution like Pepperdine is held to a high academic and professional standard.
The coursework, faculty expertise, and accreditation requirements remain consistent across on-campus and online learning formats. As a result, the degree is widely recognized and respected by school districts and state licensing bodies.
Yes. Students in the online MAT program have access to financial aid, just like on-campus students.
You may qualify for federal financial aid options such as loans, grants, and scholarships to help support your tuition and related education costs. Eligibility depends on your individual financial situation and application details.
For a full breakdown of available options and how to apply, you can visit the Tuition and Financial Aid information page.
A Master of Arts in Teaching can prepare you for a range of rewarding roles in Pre-K–12 education, not just traditional classroom teaching.
One common path is becoming a special education teacher, where you’ll use the skills developed in your MAT program to support students with a variety of learning, emotional, mental, or physical needs. More broadly, the degree can also help open doors to teaching roles across different grade levels and school settings.
Pepperdine University’s online Master of Arts in Teaching is designed to be completed in as few as 11 months, allowing you to move efficiently toward your teaching career without putting your goals on hold.
In less than a year, you can graduate with the skills, confidence, and classroom experience needed to step into teaching roles across public, charter, and private school settings.
Neither degree is “better” overall—it really comes down to what you want your career in education to look like.
A Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) is typically more focused on hands-on classroom practice, teaching methods, and day-to-day instruction, making it a strong fit if your goal is to become a classroom teacher.
A Master of Education (MEd), on the other hand, tends to take a broader approach and is often chosen by educators who want to move into leadership, administration, curriculum design, or education policy roles later on.
To apply for the MAT program, you’ll need to submit a completed online application along with your official transcripts and a current résumé that outlines your academic and professional experience.
You’ll also be asked to share a 2-3 page Statement of Purpose, where you can talk about your motivation for becoming a teacher and your long-term goals in education. In addition, two letters of recommendation are required from people who can speak to your academic strengths or professional experience.
If English is not your first language, you’ll also need to provide proof of English proficiency through tests such as the TOEFL or IELTS.
Yes. The online Master of Arts in Teaching is designed to support you on the path toward earning a teaching credential/license.
As part of the program, you can focus your studies based on your career goals by choosing one of two credential tracks: Elementary Teaching (Multiple Subject) or Secondary Teaching (Single Subject). Each pathway is designed to prepare you for the specific classroom setting you plan to enter.
In many cases, yes—California teaching credentials are often recognized in other states, especially because California has some of the most rigorous teacher preparation standards in the country.
That said, credentials don’t automatically transfer everywhere. If you move to another state, you’ll usually need to apply for reciprocity through that state’s Department of Education. This process may include additional requirements, such as state-specific exams like the Praxis or other certification steps.
Because requirements can vary, it’s always best to check directly with the licensing board in the state where you plan to teach.
Yes. As part of the California credentialing process, you’ll be required to complete a teaching performance assessment such as the edTPA or CalTPA.
This assessment is designed to show what you can do in the classroom. You’ll put together a portfolio that includes lesson plans, short video clips of your teaching, and written reflections on your practice.
Throughout your MAT program, the curriculum is structured to guide and support you step by step so you feel prepared and confident going into this requirement.
The MAT program offers two credential pathways, depending on the age group and teaching style you’re most interested in.
No, GRE or GMAT scores are not required for admission to the MAT program.
Instead of focusing on standardized test scores, Pepperdine takes a more holistic approach to the application process, reviewing your academic background, experience, and level of commitment to making a positive impact in the classroom and your community.
The online MAT program uses a blended format that combines structure with flexibility so you can balance your studies with your daily life.
You’ll take part in weekly live online classes where you can interact in real time with your professors and classmates, ask questions, and engage in discussions.
Outside of those sessions, you’ll complete readings, assignments, and coursework on your own schedule, giving you the flexibility to manage your time effectively.
You’ll also move through the program as part of a close-knit cohort, meaning you’ll learn alongside the same group of peers from start to finish; building strong connections and a supportive professional network along the way.
In the earlier part of the program, many students are able to continue working full time while completing their evening course work.
However, things change during the final term when you begin student teaching. At this stage, you’ll be placed in a K–12 classroom full time during the school day, typically Monday to Friday, around 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
Because of the intensity and time commitment of this hands-on experience, it’s usually not realistic to maintain a full-time daytime job during this period. Most students plan ahead financially so they can fully focus on completing their student teaching successfully.
Even though the program is completed online, you’ll still spend time in real K–12 classrooms gaining hands-on teaching experience.
These field experiences are a key part of your training and are designed to help you build both practical classroom skills and the confidence needed to lead a class. Throughout the program, you’ll complete three structured clinical experiences, each giving you more responsibility and closer involvement with teaching over time.
Yes. You won’t need to find your own student teaching placement.
Pepperdine’s Clinical Experience team works closely with you to arrange placements at approved schools in or near your local community. They take care of coordinating with school sites, including all the necessary vetting and legal agreements, so your placement meets California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) requirements.
This allows you to focus on preparing to teach, while the program handles the logistics of getting you into the classroom.
Pepperdine University partners with 2U to support the delivery of these online programs. Pepperdine University has full control over the programs, including all core academic functions. Click here to learn more about 2U’s roles and responsibilities.
